The journey of running has been a long one for me. I was always the one in junior high and high school who couldn't run the whole mile around the track, I was always last. But I have learned that it is not about being fast, it is just about finishing something. Running is a complete mental game and a self test. I started in the spring and my first goal was the 5K. After I did the 5K I knew I would be able to run the 5 mile race on the 4th of July. After I did that I started to wonder what else I was capable of. My friend Kari mentioned doing a half, she was so persistent and very good at convincing me that I could do it, and I believed her. So I did it, I made a chart using Hal Higdon's guide, taped it on my door, and I stuck to it every day, I would run what Hal told me to do, even if I felt like I was going to die. It was amazing to go from a 5 mile long run to a 5 mile short run.
The journey did more for me than I can express. I am in better shape than I have ever been in my life. I am wearing pants that I have not fit into for 8 years. I have discovered some great friendships, I am learning more about myself every time I hit the pavement. I have learned how important it is to have support. I could not have done this without my hubby telling me to keep going. I could not have made it without Sara meeting me at 5 a.m. so we could run before our men left for work. I could not have done it without Hillary and Maime driving from Lakewood so we could do our long runs together. I could not have done it without Kari checking up on me each week. I could not have done it without La La....oh La La. Your e-mails and phone calls inspired me all of the time. Thank you for believing in me so much, there are no words, I love you.
The day finally came for the 13.1 down in Cincinnati (the only half in OH that was not on a Sunday). We walked out of the hotel and then it hit me, it was only 32 degrees!! I was wearing capris and a tank top and I have never run in temps that low!! I was freezing my bootie off and there was nothing I could do about it, so I just ran. For the first few miles I could not feel my hands and couldn't even put my head phones in, I couldn't feel where the hole in my ear was! The mile marker I remember the most was 7, it was over half way, but still so far to go. Seriously, 13.1 miles is a LONG way! At mile 11 I heard my name and I thought I was mental, loosing my mind from being so cold and tired. But then I heard it again. I walked through the water station and heard it again, I turned around and there was Sara. I couldn't believe it, but I knew she was there to help me make it to the end without stopping. We ran the rest of the way together, and it was so hard. I loved seeing the old men speed walkers pass me, I laughed at myself, and didn't care, I was doing it.
As we approached the finish I could hear the cheers and the music of the bands, then we turned the corner and I saw Andy and the kids, the tears just started coming. I don't know why, but it was such an emotional moment for me. I am so lucky to have such amazing children and an amazing husband. It was great to cross the finish line and to know that I finished what I set out to do.
Sara and I coming to the end when we saw our families, yep, when the tears came.
The gang. From left: Chad, Kari, Maime, Shay, Hillary, Sara
My medal and me.
Maime and I.
Hillary, Me, Sara. Thank you girls for your everyday support and constant friendship.
So there it is, the run down of my first race. I don't think the next one will be quite as emotional and life changing, I am just looking to improve my time and run in warmer weather. Who knows one day I might succome to the pressure of Lauren and Sara to do a marathon, who knows......
